Dragon Boat Festival in Taiwan ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of Dragon Boat Festival in Taiwan and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of Dragon Boat Festival in Taiwan and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday that commemorates the life and death of the poet and minister Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan lived during the Warring States period of Chinese history (475-221 BCE) and was a loyal official to the state of Chu. When the state of Qin conquered Chu, Qu Yuan committed suicide by drowning himself in the Miluo River. The people of Chu attempted to save him by paddling out in boats and throwing rice dumplings into the water, but they were unsuccessful.
The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. On this day, people eat rice dumplings (zongzi), race dragon boats, and hang scrolls with Qu Yuan’s poem “The Lament” on their doors.
The festival originated in southern China, but it is now celebrated throughout the country, as well as in Taiwan and other countries with large Chinese populations.